“Liverpool were so good that they even scored for Bayern”: Some Liverpool fans high on energy after exciting 3-1 win vs Bayern Munich + Match Report

Bayern Munich vs Liverpool Match Report: Liverpool Match Report

Liverpool continued their fine run this season as the Reds progressed to the last 8 of the UEFA Champions League with a comfortable 3-1 victory over Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday night.

With the first leg at Anfield having finished in a 0-0 draw, Bayern were expected to have the upper hand at home and it was the hosts who started off as the brighter of the two teams.

Franck Ribery gave Trent Alexander-Arnold a few worries down the flanks, Thiago blazed a shot over from a promising position and the Liverpool fans would have had their heart in their mouth when Robert Lewandowski was brought down inside the box by Virgil van Dijk.

Having weathered the early storm, Liverpool got themselves back into the game and it was the in-form Sadio Mane who drew first blood for the Reds.

Mane rounded Manuel Neuer with a sumptuous touch and showed a tremendous piece of awareness to dink the ball into the net, giving Liverpool a crucial away goal. Mane was once again in the thick of things as the Senegalese ace teed off Andrew Robertson for a shot a few minutes later.

Bayern, however, found an immediate reply, although it was a Liverpool player who had a major hand in it. Serge Gnabry’s driven cross from the right was put into his own net by Joel Matip, who might have been too much bothered by the presence of Lewandowski.

With the score tied at 1-1, Bayern tried to throw caution to the winds to turn the tie in their favour but the home side were denied by some resolute and disciplined defending from Liverpool.

Mo Salah warmed Neuer’s palms with a driven effort but Bayern probably had the biggest chance early in the second half, Gnabry’s cross from the right just evading a diving Lewandowski.

Liverpool’s front trio continued to cause problems for Bayern at the back and the Reds caught the game by the scruff of the neck midway through the second half, Virgil van Dijk rising over the likes of Javi Martinez and Mats Hummels to head home Milner’s corner in the 69th minute.

Faced with a mountain to climb after having conceded a couple of away goals, Bayern looked absolutely lost and Liverpool looked in total control of the proceedings. Mo Salah produced a magical pass from the outside of his left boot to find Sadio Mane inside the box, who headed it past Neuer to seal the tie.

Liverpool’s victory over Bayern meant that four teams from the Premier League made it to the quarterfinals of the Champions League and it remains to be seen whether any of the English teams lock horns with each other in the last 8 on the competition.

Predicted Liverpool line-up to face Bayern in the Champions League

Liverpool turn their attention to the Champions League on Wednesday, when they travel to Germany to face Bayern Munich in the second leg of the round of 16.

The teams drew 0-0 in the first leg of their last-16 match at Anfield and Jurgen Klopp will be hoping to beat Bayern at the Allianz Arena, thereby qualifying for the next round.

The Reds will head into Wednesday’s game off the back of a 4-2 comeback victory over relegation-threatened Burnley in the Premier League last weekend.

Team News

Trent Alexander-Arnold was substituted during Liverpool’s win over Burnley but the club is confident the young full-back will be fit for the Bayern clash.

James Milner missed the Sunday’s league game with a hamstring problem; however, he could be available for the trip to Munich.

Probable Liverpool XI

Formation: 4-3-3

Manager: Jurgen Klopp

Alisson Becker (GK)

Alisson is Liverpool’s undisputed first-choice in goal and will keep his place in the team on Wednesday.

Trent Alexander-Arnold (RB)

Despite being substituted in the 4-2 victory over Burnley, Alexander-Arnold is expected to recover from his slight injury. He should retain his place at right-back.

Joel Matip (CB)

Matip has nailed down a regular place in the team with some solid performances of late. He will partner Van Dijk at the heart of Liverpool defence.

Virgil van Dijk (CB)

Having missed the first leg due to suspension, Van Dijk will have a mighty task on his shoulders to stop the in-form Bayern attackers. His performance will be crucial if the Reds are to progress to the next round.

Andrew Robertson (LB)

One of the best left-backs in the Premier League, Robertson will be aiming to put in a strong display at Munich.

Fabinho (CDM)

Fabinho has brought a lot of calmness in the midfield and given the team balance. He is a certain starter against the Bundesliga giants.

Jordan Henderson (RCM)

Henderson came on as a substitute against Burnley on Sunday but could be handed a start to add more energy to the midfield.

Georginio Wijnaldum (LCM)

After a solid performance in the 4-2 win over Burnley, Wijnaldum should be on top of Klopp’s list of midfield options for the Champions League game.

Sadio Mane (LW)

Mane will be pumped up against Bayern after scoring a fantastic hat-trick in the victory over Burnley.

Mohamed Salah (RW)

Salah has gone off the boil of late but there’s no denying his quality and ability to win games single-handedly. The Egyptian will keep his place on the right wing.

Liverpool simply cannot afford to miss out on signing this 22-year-old German sensation available for a cut-price fee of £22m – Agreed?

Why Liverpool should sign Julian Brandt in the summer

According to a report in Sun (h/t Bild), Premier League giants Liverpool are on red alert after German winger Julian Brandt became available for £22m. Bayer Leverkusen’s star man, who has been in decent form this season, was one of the top targets for Jurgen Klopp two years ago at Anfield.

But the 22-year-old opted against joining a big club, a year before the World Cup. With the German outlet now suggesting that he is available on a cut-price deal, the Reds are keeping their tabs open on signing him in the summer transfer window.

They are expected to face competition from Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich, who are also keeping a close eye on the player. However, as per the report, Liverpool’s interest in the past might help them to complete a smooth deal.

Here’s why they should do everything and sign Julian Brandt once the transfer window reopens:

Liverpool can add that extra bit of creativity in their locker

Predominantly a left winger, Brandt is capable of playing on the other side, or operate between the lines behind the striker in that No. 10 position. He has most things in his armoury that could be used to great effect to enhance the creativity of any team in the final third.

On the ball, he can dribble past defenders in tight spaces and create an opening for a pass or shot towards goal. His key passing to open up defences is on the higher side, doing so at an average of 2.7 times per game in the league this season. For that reason, he has scored four goals and supplied seven assists, along with fabricating 61 chances in 23 appearances. (Whoscored.com)

The German is also good at staying wide and stretching the opposition defence, using his pace to run in behind and cause problems to the full-back. He does not shy away from having a pop at goal when required, adding a different dimension to his game.

All in all, Julian Brandt has few things in his locker that can be useful to the Liverpool team. He can add that bit of extra creative spark, which is required when teams sit deep and defend the width of their penalty box.

Manchester United’s future would receive a big boost if they keep hold of talented starlet amidst European interest

Why Manchester United should keep hold of Dean Henderson

The Daily Mail has revealed that on-loan Manchester United goalkeeper Dean Henderson has started to attract a lot of attention after his performances at Sheffield United. The 21-year-old has been in excellent form for the Championship side since joining them and has seen both Bayern Munich and Juventus scout him.

Henderson however, is yet to make a professional appearance for United despite making nine appearances for their U23s, U18s and U19s. That didn’t change the hard-working nature of the player who kept on doing his job in loan spells at Grimsby Town, Shrewsbury Town and now Sheffield United.

But with the likes of Bayern Munich, Tottenham and even Juventus eyeing a deal, things could get complicated for the Red Devils. Henderson, at the moment, does have eighteen months left on his current deal with the Old Trafford side, which also includes an extension option of one year. However, given his current situation, the 21-year-old might consider his chances in the summer window.

But it’s up to Manchester United to keep their youth prodigy with them. Instead of being like Manchester City, the Red Devils need to take the Chelsea approach and put a halt to any move whether now or six months down the line for someone who could easily become their number one goalkeeper in the future.

Dean Henderson

Like Sheffield United this season, Dean Henderson has been a rock – keeping 10 clean sheets, with only Middlesbrough and Bristol City conceding fewer goals than them. Not only that, this isn’t the first time the 21-year-old has performed better than expected. He was one of the better players on loan at Shrewsbury.

The Red Devils, on the other hand, have endured a renaissance under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. However, David De Gea’s current deal with the club expires at the end of the current season, while both Sergio Romero and Lee Grant have struggled to make any impact whatsoever.

Manchester United are working on tying the former to a new deal, but have made no breakthrough regarding that. The club officials should work hard and tie their best keeper to a new contract and not allow their young prodigy to leave in the summer. The best option would be to recall him at Old Trafford and hand him the number two spot in the squad.